Sheridan, Oregon is a city that's had it's share of bad luck, to say the least. The city's commercial district burned to the ground on July 18, 1913--ironic because the city's economy was based on logging and timber. Forty nine years later, in 1964, Sheridan again succumbed to devastation, this time via The Christmas Flood of 1964, which covered most of Sheridan under water.
Sheridan, with a population of about 6,200 people, according to the most recent U
Sheridan, Oregon is a city that's had it's share of bad luck, to say the least. The city's commercial district burned to the ground on July 18, 1913--ironic because the city's economy was based on logging and timber. Forty nine years later, in 1964, Sheridan again succumbed to devastation, this time via The Christmas Flood of 1964, which covered most of Sheridan under water.
Sheridan, with a population of about 6,200 people, according to the most recent U.S. Census data (2010), is nestled in Yamhill County, a region famous for wine-growing, especially Pinot Noir, in Oregon's Willamette Valley (pronounced Will-AM-it). Sheridan is about 26.5 miles west of Salem, Oregon's state capitol, or about a 30-minute drive along Highway 22. Today, Sheridan is a mostly-rural community rooted in farming and timber. (Interestingly, the town's major employer for both farming and timber is the Sheridan Federal Correctional Institution.) Many people find Sheridan's location ideal. It's about a 40-minute drive to Lincoln City, which is located right on the Pacific Ocean, a two-hour drive up Interstate-5 to Portland, and it's smack dab in the middle of Oregon's wine country. Sheridan is also becoming known as a region popular among mushroom hunters, especially those with a nose truffles, but you didn't read that here. Also, let it be known that it rains a lot in Sheridan, and by a lot we mean a lot--on average 52 inches per year. The wettest period runs November through March, but it will continue to rain off and on until June (locals say the summer starts when the rain stops, usually around the Fourth of July).
Moving to Sheridan
The good news about moving to Sheridan is that rents tend to be much less expensive than in comparable-sized towns. For the most part, however, you're going to find mostly houses for rent in Sheridan rather than apartments or duplexes. Your best bet is to start looking for a new home in Sheridan early by contacting the Sheridan Chamber of Commerce, which can tell you all you need to know about home rentals in the local area.
Most rental units in Sheridan require the usual application form, complete with credit and rental history checks, as well as proof of employment. Typically, last month's pay stub will suffice. You'll need your social security number and either your driver's license, Oregon state ID, or another government issued form of identification, such as a military ID your passport, when filling out a rental application. Don't forget that typically some sort of fee is required when submitting a rental application, usually $45-$50, and they are non-refundable.
Sheridan's Neighborhoods
Sheridan doesn't have any distinguishable neighborhoods, per se. Locals tend to ask questions like, what side of town do you live on? "Downtown" Sheridan, known as Main Street to the locals, is only a couple of blocks long. You won't find many 1 bedroom or 2 bedroom apartments in this part of town, although there are some apartments for rent from time to time on the second floor of downtown buildings, like the brick structure that houses the Sheridan Sun newspaper on the corner of Faulconer Street and Main Street, according to one Sheridan Chamber spokeswoman. These tend to be popular locations with long waiting lists, so start considering you're move with plenty of time to spare.
North Sheridan: The north end of Sheridan consists of many suburban-style, single-family homes and duplexes, although they aren't located in gated or named communities, as well as the occasional small cluster of apartments.
South Sheridan: The south side of Sheridan is roughly the same with many single-family homes, duplexes and apartments lining similar-looking street after similar-looking street. This also is where you'll find Sheridan High School, affectionately known as the Home of the Spartans.
West Sheridan: Sheridan's west side is where you'll find much of the city's industrial land and farms, with a few apartment complexes thrown in for good measure.
East Sheridan: And to the east, on the south side of the Yamhill River, you'll find a handful of apartment complexes, some within the city limits and others residing in unincorporated areas.
Things to Do In and Around Sheridan
Sheridan is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, especially with the presence of the Yamhill River and the creeks and streams that flow into and out of the watershed. Popular outdoor activities include boating, kayaking, mountain biking and fishing, not only in the river but in the many nearby creeks and tributaries, such as Ash Creek, Tindle Creek, Willamina Creek, Mill Creek and Rock Creek--the latter two are popular places to cool off during the summer--and Deer Creek, to name a few found in the surrounding areas.
For real entertainment by national touring acts, The Spirit Mountain Casino is only a 15-minute drive from Sheridan, providing you with plenty of shows--from concerts and comedians to car shows and officially sanctioned mixed martial arts fights by the MMA itself (you get the drift)--and reasons to get out of the house during the rainy season. Oh, and then there's that gambling thing, too. The casino seems to have a little to offer everybody, including great hotel rooms and lodging for reasonable rates with advance notice. Play a fun little game with yourself, and just try not to get lost in the maze of video games, Texas Hold 'Em tables and slot machines once you wander inside. $10 says you'll lose!
